Hidden Defects in Bridges Roadshow

This roadshow series event will provide a snapshot on how to use CIRIA's new publication in practice as well as showcase the latest good practices for assessing the risks from hidden defects, adopting emergent technologies which assist in the management of hidden defects and implementing structural repairs which can prevent the formation or mitigate against the impact of hidden defects.

Background (C764) Hidden defects in bridges – guidance on detection management is a new CIRIA good practice guidance publication providing the bridge engineering community with methods on how to identify, investigate and manage known hidden defects, supported by a significant number of well documented case studies and comprehensive reference material. The new guide is essential reading and reference material for the Bridge Inspector Certification scheme, graduates under training and all professionals involved in bridge engineering and management.

This guide collates a group of case studies demonstrating that hidden defects do exist in critical bridge components. In some cases hidden defects have threatened the safety of the travelling public while in extreme cases they have resulted in the collapse of bridges without warning. If the risk posed by hidden defects is not managed appropriately then the likelihood of encountering such failures will increase.

Common themes identified for management of hidden defects in bridge components include inspection, identification, maintenance and design. In addition, while currently only an emergent technology in the bridge industry, structural health monitoring systems offer great potential in assisting management of hidden defects.

Why attend? Delegates at this event will:

Present an overview of CIRIA’s latest good practice publication

Introduce the audience to the latest industry agreed good practices in asset management, structural health monitoring and structural repair practices for hidden defects in bridge